Though less than half complete, the 2004 Sugoi Dirt Series season, its fourth, can already be called the best ever. The list of great things that have happened so far includes six straight sold-out camps, a fantastic first US camp in Sun Valley, Idaho, along with big smiles and new bike skills for nearly 250 participants.

The next weeks for the Sugoi Dirt Series mountain bike program feature even more exciting events highlighted by a women's only camp to be held July 17/18 in Hood River, Oregon, in conjunction with the Gorge Games. Hood River is a spectacular multi-sport mecca with an incredibly active community, an excellent mountain bike skill development area, and endless trail opportunities.

The morning camp sessions feature the Sugoi Dirt Series unique smorgasbord of small-group skills development -- riders get the chance to work on specific maneuvers in a systematic way while being coached by some of the best mountain bike instructors in the world.

In the afternoon, participants have the chance to apply their polished technique on one of a variety of instructional group rides. Since participants are split into six different groups according to interest and ability, anyone from a beginner looking for basic skills to an advanced rider aiming for the latest freeride techniques, will find a perfect fit within the available choices.

The Hood River camp is being hosted by Mountain View Cycles, who will be providing, among other things, bike maintenance sessions, snacks, drinks, and in store discounts on Saturday night. The morning skill sessions, covering everything from basic front wheel lifts and descending skills to wheelie drops and high speed cornering, will take place at Jackson Park. The majority of the afternoon rides will take place in Post Canyon.

"We're super excited to be going to Hood River and having great partners like Mountain View Cycles and the Gorge Games," said Camp Director Candace Shadley. "It's one of my favorite places to ride and windsurf, and I can't think of a better way to spend a summer weekend than running a Sugoi Dirt Series camp there."

The Sugoi Dirt Series is made possible through generous support from sponsors such as Sugoi Clothing, Powerbar, Nokian Tires and Sea to Sky Ford. Subway has also signed on as a Location Sponsor for this camp, and will be providing tasty lunches for all involved.